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John R. W. Stott defends the fundamental claims of Christianity and defines the proper outworkings of these beliefs in the lives of believers. Here is a sound guide for those seeking an intellectually satisfying presentation of the Christian faith.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For fifty years Basic Christianity has exposed the backbone of the Christian faith. Its uncompromising clarity, intelligent logic and easy application make this one of the most enduring of Christian classics. In a time of ambiguity and confusion I can think of no other book I would rather recommend. Every evangelist should consider Basic Christianity a master class in communicating the gospel. This book is a must-read for those who are seeking God or wishing to refresh their own faith, or for those who hope to lead others into the loving arms of Jesus Christ." (Reverend William Van der Hart, evangelist and pastor, Central London)

"John Stott's books have helped millions around the world to a better understanding of the Christian faith. I, for one, am extremely grateful for the way in which he explains complex and difficult issues with great clarity, insight and wisdom. Basic Christianity has become a classic of our time." (Nicky Gumbel, Vicar, Holy Trinity Brompton, and Pioneer of the Alpha course)

"This was the classic forerunner of strong, balanced evangelistic books, and I am delighted it is being republished fifty years later. It led many to faith then, and it will again." (Canon Dr. Michael Green)

"Anything John Stott says is worth listening to . . . anything he writes is worth reading. Basic Christianity is not only a classic must-read for every believer, it is truly a blessing preserved on the written page for the enrichment of this generation, and those to come." (Anne Graham Lotz)

"We can thank God that in the past few years those committed to Christian orthodoxy have been realizing the importance of the subjective and experiential aspects of the Christian gospel and using these in introducing Christianity to others. But the danger is that we can get so carried away by this that we forget the heart of what Christianity is all about. At such times it is good to go back to tried and tested expositions that have stood the test of time. And what better resource is there for this than John Stott's classic Basic Christianity?" (Ajith Fernando, national director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka)

"Lucid, clear and compelling. After Mere Christianity, perhaps no other book has helped more people come to faith. I'm thrilled that this classic has been appropriately shaped and refreshed for a modern audience without losing any of its timeless charm and persuasive brilliance. Having led and organized university missions for over twenty-five years, I was sobered to be reminded of what a debt we all owe to this book and its author. 'Christ is Christianity,' and no other book exemplifies a Christ-centered apologetic more simply and clearly." (Reverend Richard Cunningham, director, UCCF: The Christian Unions)

"[This slim volume] has introduced more people to Christ than any book I know other than the Bible." (James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"For fifty years Basic Christianity has exposed the backbone of the Christian faith. Its uncompromising clarity, intelligent logic and easy application make this one of the most enduring of Christian classics. In a time of ambiguity and confusion I can think of no other book I would rather recommend. Every evangelist should consider Basic Christianity a master class in communicating the gospel. This book is a must-read for those who are seeking God or wishing to refresh their own faith, or for those who hope to lead others into the loving arms of Jesus Christ."
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

More About the Author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Stott's Basic Christianity is a very practical, easy-to-read introduction to the Christian life. Who is God? Who is Christ? What is sin? What does being a Christian mean? These are all very basic, fundamental questions that are answered in a no-nonsense, straightforward way. For those who have been Christians for some time, it is always good to review the basic fundamentals. Sometimes you see things possibly in a way that you never did before. Stott's explanation of the Ten Commandments and their application is by itself worth the price of the book. Basic Christianity is a small book, but loaded with helpful information.

Dr. John R.W. Stott was born in London in 1921. Dr. Stott holds a multitude of educational degrees, including French, theology, and various doctorate and honorary doctorates in theology. He has written over thirty books on various theological and religious topics and eight biblical expositions for the Bible Speaks Today commentary series. He has attended All Souls Place (home church) in London since his childhood. He has currently held the position rector emeritus since 1975. He continues to preach at the church several times throughout the year. Billy Graham has stated that Dr. Stott is "the most respected clergy man in the world today." One of his earlier publishing's, Basic Christianity, was first written in 1958 and has sold over two and a half million copies and has been translated into more than 63 languages.

Dr. Stott shows the reader that there is much hostility towards the `institution' of the church. It is not that this hostility is geared toward Christ Himself, but against the structure or the organization called `the church' and its fallible managers. The younger generation that is growing up, whether organic to the church or implanted from other religions, is seeking less and less the credentials that make Christianity true and valid.

He feels that many are making too much of the mind knowledge of Christianity and identifying less and less with the actions of Christianity. In essence, it seems he is stating that the culture at large is living a static or nominal Christianity where its participants are just identifiers and not spokesmen. The believers of the movement are only passively wearing the title Christian and not living a life of dynamism for Jesus.Read more ›

For those skeptics who desire to have a purpose in life and who turn to Christianity for possible answers, but who don't want to "compromise" their intellect by believing in the "impossible," John Stott's book, "Basic Christianity," is an absolute MUST READ! Our God is one of intellect and logic as much as He is one of miraculous splendor. He gave us a thinking mind as well as a feeling heart, and he intends us to use them both when seeking Him. If one truly opens his/her mind and heart, the God of the Holy Scriptures will satisfy both. John Stott is a very well-educated man who wants to communicate the gospel in its entire intellectual and spiritual truth, and he will not leave one with unanswered questions.

Stott is marvelous describing who is Jesus, what is sin, what did Jesus do, and what should be the individual's response. He has a clear way of describing the truly important beliefs of the Christian church. I do have two complaints, one major and one minor. I'm curious how a book entitled "Basic Christianity" could be devoid of any mention of the character of God, including the Trinity. Much is made of the nature of Christ, but I do not remember reading about God's nature. The minor complaint is that book's type is so small--maybe this is the way to keep the price down on a very powerful 142-page book. Don't let my complaints keep you away from a very wise investment.

Basic Christianity is just that and more. Stott writes with the purpose to simply inform the novice. He does this in a way that is easy to read, and without a perpensity for big theological words. First and foremost the author centres on Jesus Christ, His person, and work.The chapters 5 and 6 explain from the Bible the deity of Christ, both His direct and indirect claims to be God in man. The author's argument is uncomfortable when he calls Jesus claims to deity egocentric; for that would make Jesus a phony. Nevertheless, the author continues to unpack his fundamental disposition supporting Jesus' claims of deity as true. The point being that if Jesus' claims are not true, then He was a phony and no global people movement such as the church could be sustained for 2 millennium based on the distorted word of a egomaniac. The author answers the central question of "Who needs Christ?" Stott does this by describing sin in a basic way, as pride and self-deification among its other Biblical definitions. Sin has sadly cut mankind off from God to the point that people perceive God as angry and far away. This then, is why people need Christ, to bring them back into fellowship with God. Therefore, Christ's unselfish sacrifice is the peace-making event that restores fellowship with God. This Easter triumph inaugurates the age of the promised Holy Spirit and the beginning of the church.In the last chapter called "Man's Response" I found many helpful pointers for the novice. Stott points out that being born in a so-called Christian nation is not enough for salvation, but the seeking individual must open one's heart to Jesus to be saved.Read more ›